Coverage of the Frisco RoughRiders from Dr Pepper Ballpark

Adaptations and Transitions

Jared Hoying has hit .288 since being promoted to Frisco. (Photo by Alex Yocum-Beeman)

‘Riders outfielder Jared Hoying grew up in Ohio learning how to play baseball from his dad. He played shortstop through high school and led his team to a state championship. After high school, Hoying went to the University of Toledo where he set many school records including the home run record hitting 34 during his time at the school. He was drafted by the Texas Rangers in the 10th round of the 2010 MLB amateur draft. Hoying said draft day was nerve-wracking for him.

“It was a day I’ll never forget. I was at home just so antsy that I couldn’t sit still so I was mowing the grass, washing my car… I was doing everything,” Hoying said. “I was actually taking a nap when I got the phone call so my phone started going crazy.”

He said his family was more excited for him than he was.

“They were pumped,” Hoying said. “Dad took off work so it was just me and dad at home when the call came so it was special.”

Hoying was converted to an outfielder and spent his first season with Short Season Spokane earning the Northwest League Most Valuable Player award. In 2011, he was promoted to High-A Myrtle Beach skipping Low-A Hickory. He began the 2012 season in Myrtle Beach before being promoted to Double-A Frisco with pitcher Cody Buckel. Hoying said both of them were ready to tackle the challenges of Double-A.

“We had a pretty good first half. We did our stuff and got our work in,” Hoying said. “We both knew we were ready and the call did come and it was like all right…Here we go on to the next step.”

The transition was pretty easy for both Buckel and Hoying who have played with most of the guys before.

“I played with most of the guys last year in Myrtle Beach. I played with Profar in Spokane,” Hoying said. “It was a pretty easy transition.”

Since joining the RoughRiders, Hoying has been hitting .288 with five doubles, 1 triple, and 3 home runs. He said he thinks he’s been playing well so far and hopes to continue doing so.

“I just want to stay strong and stay healthy and just keep doing what I’m doing,” Hoying said. “I don’t want to think too big. I just kind of want to stay with what I’m doing and not hit a massive slump.”

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